Impacts of flooding

Floods are the most frequent type of natural disaster, and they have devastating social, economic and environmental impacts.

Floods can cause damage to homes and possessions as well as disruption to communications.

Floods can cause death and injury. People can get trapped in their houses by the fast-rising waters.

As flood waters rise they can flow into low-lying properties. The floodwater will be carrying pollution and silt that can destroy floors, walls, electrical wiring and appliances.

Some people who live in flood-risk areas find it difficult to get insurance whilst others cannot afford the insurance premiums. The cost of repairing and rebuilding damaged buildings can push up insurance premiums.

Floods will wash chemicals and sewage into the water. The contaminated water will spread quickly over an area, causing public health issues and harming pets and wildlife.

Floods will destroy places where river animals and fish might have breeding grounds. Even slight changes to river temperature and water patterns can upset natural ecosystems.

The statistic that 1/6 UK properties are at risk of flooding has since changed to 1/4 properties. This demonstrates how climate change is ever-increasing the risk of flooding to UK homes - this will be addressed further in the next module.